Penelope
By Kevin Baker, Blockbuster.co.uk

Cristina Ricci takes the lead in the wonderful fantasy comedy ‘Penelope’ A heart warming tale about love, romance and leaving the house for the first time… ever! Sporting a prominent facial feature that would frighten a sabre-toothed tiger, Penelope is about to learn what its like to mingle with an all-too-cruel world.

Even as an alpha, I have always had a secret love for light hearted fantasy stories. After R Whites lemonade, it’s really the only secret thing I have that keeps me level headed. I think the allure comes from the chemistry and sentiment of the characters, and the assurance that the story is usually going to be paced correctly, enter… Penelope.

Born into a rich family, Penelope bears the brunt of an ancient curse which has condemned the next female born into the family to have the features of a pig. That is to say, she has a snout. Afraid that the press and the world at large will make an issue out of this, her parents have kept her concealed from the public eye ever since childhood.

Penelope dreams of getting out into the real world and being just like everyone else but the only way she can get rid of the nose is to break the ancient curse, and for this she needs a suitor… that is, a man who will love her for who she is. Only problem is that whenever a promising male partner cops eyes on her, they run for the hills.

Not averse to playing the occasional odd one out, Christina Ricci fits this role perfectly. She portrays this beautifully unique character so effectively that it would be difficult to think of Penelope as anyone else.

James McAvoy also does a great job of playing the only guy who doesn’t bolt after spending some time with her. Despite playing a loser he manages to exude enough charm and likability to keep us impressed all the way through.

Magical, humorous and clever, this is a feel-good movie all the way. A praise-worthy piece that I shall be watching again... in secret.